Objective: Anti-Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) activity of Kumazasa (Sasa senanensis Rehder) extract were investigated in the human embryonic lung (HEL) fibroblast cell.
Method: This study examined the effect of hot water extract from Sasa senanensis Rehder on HCMV replication, viral-specific major immediate early (IE) gene expression, and protein synthesis.
Results: Treatment of HCMV-infected HEL cells with that Sasa senanensis Rehder extract inhibited the cytopathic effect and viral production in a dose-dependent manner. Further, real-time RT-PCR assay and Western blotting analysis revealed that Sasa senanensis Rehder extract decreased expression of the HCMV IE gene in virus-infected HEL cell.
Conclusion: These results suggest that Sasa senanensis Rehder extract have anti-HCMV activity by inhibitting of IE gene expression.

To explore the effects of Shenmai Injection (SMI), a compound traditional Chinese herbal medicine, on pharmacokinetics and serum concentration of digoxin when applied together with digoxin.

Objective: Anti-human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) activity of 5 compounds, especially tricin, isolated from Kumazasa extract were investigated in the human embryonic lung (HEL) fibroblast cell.
Method: This study examined the effect of tricin on HCMV replication, viral-specific major immediate early (IE) gene expression, and protein synthesis.
Results: Pretreatment of HEL cells before HCMV infection with tricin inhibited viral production in a dose-dependent manner, as well as posttreatment of HCMV-infected HEL cells with tricin. Real-time RT-PCR assay and Western blotting analysis indicated that tricin decreased expression of the HCMV IE gene in virus-infected HEL cell.
Conclusion: These date suggest that the primary mechanism of anti-HCMV activity for tricin, isolated from Kumazasa hot water extract, inhibit IE gene expression.